As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve encountered cases that challenge both the legal system and the individuals caught within it. Today, I want to share a case study that underscores the complexity of defending someone accused of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. This case went to trial after nearly two years of delays, and the journey to a not-guilty verdict was a battle of perseverance, preparation, and the search for truth.
The Allegations
The case involved a 46-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman who were next-door neighbors in Minnesota. The woman lived in the basement of her aunt and uncle’s house, and the two had interacted casually in group settings. However, one night, after a series of events involving alcohol, accusations arose.
The woman, along with a friend, returned home after drinking at a bar. They decided to continue the night by inviting my client over. After several rounds of shots in a TikTok drinking challenge, the three were intoxicated, taking selfies and dancing together. At some point, the woman and my client engaged in sexual activity.
The next morning, the woman woke up in distress, questioning whether she had cheated on her boyfriend. A friend’s mother, noticing her emotional state, declared that she had been raped and called the police. This set off a chain of events that led to my client being accused of sexual assault.
The Investigation
The police interviewed the woman while she was still in bed, and during the conversation, she expressed doubt, saying, “I think this is my fault, not his.” Nonetheless, she was encouraged to undergo a sexual assault exam, while her friend also claimed to have been touched inappropriately, though no DNA evidence supported that claim.
When the police interviewed my client, he was forthcoming, admitting to sexual contact but emphasizing that when he realized the woman was too intoxicated, he stopped immediately and helped her to bed. Despite his cooperation, an arrest warrant was issued rather than a court summons, adding to his legal ordeal.
As the case progressed, the woman and her friend shifted their narrative, portraying my client as a predatory figure, despite evidence to the contrary. They claimed he was a “creepy older man” who had been trying to grope them all night, which contradicted the selfies and playful interactions earlier that evening.
The Defense Strategy
Knowing the risks, my client sought therapy and underwent a psychosexual evaluation, working hard to improve himself during the course of the trial. His emotional state deteriorated, even becoming suicidal at points.
Despite his efforts to better himself, the prosecutors refused any leniency, pushing for a sentence that could have been as long as eight years in prison.
The Trial
At trial, the prosecution’s strategy hinged on portraying my client as someone who had taken advantage of a much younger woman. However, their star witness—the accuser—had a history of inconsistencies in her story. For example, she had told the police that she had experienced multiple blackout drinking episodes, yet on her FAA medical form (she worked as a pilot), she failed to disclose any such issues. This lie, repeated over several FAA applications, became a key point in the trial, demonstrating her willingness to manipulate the truth when convenient.
Furthermore, the detective in the case had coached her through some of her testimony, which was revealed during the trial. Her friend’s testimony also contained significant contradictions, further weakening the prosecution’s case.
My client bravely took the stand and told his side of the story, leaving nothing out—even the parts that hadn’t been mentioned in earlier police interviews. It was a risk, but we needed the jury to see his honesty and humanity. We also brought in expert testimony to explain the difference between blackouts and pass-outs, helping to clarify the nature of the accuser’s claims.
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The Verdict
After a week and a half of intense trial proceedings, the jury deliberated for less than three hours. At one point, they asked to re-watch a video of a conversation between the detective and the accuser, which contained both emotional elements and evidence of coaching by the detective.
Four minutes after reviewing the video, the jury returned with a not-guilty verdict. My client, who had been holding back tears throughout the trial, broke down in relief. His family, who had stood by him through this ordeal, wept with him in the courtroom. It was an incredibly emotional moment.
Lessons from the Case
This case wasn’t just about proving my client’s innocence; it was about confronting the double standards in sexual assault allegations. The prosecutor was quick to excuse every inconsistency in the accuser’s story, chalking it up to trauma. Meanwhile, any discrepancy in my client’s account was labeled a lie.
The double standard also extended to their behavior that night. The prosecutor argued that my client should have taken better care of the women when they were drunk, but when I suggested that they could have done the same for each other, it was dismissed as unreasonable.
False allegations, though rare, do happen. They can arise from a variety of motivations—regret, relationship issues, or societal pressure. The assumption that every accusation is automatically valid can have devastating consequences for the accused, as it nearly did for my client.
A Team Effort
This victory wasn’t just mine—it was the result of a team effort. From my assistant, Pam, to our staff, who helped prepare cross-examination questions and exhibits, every detail mattered. The preparation was intense, with 12-16 hour days leading up to and during the trial, but that’s what it takes to achieve justice.
If you or a loved one are facing serious criminal allegations and need a lawyer who is prepared to fight for you in court, contact me, Ryan Pacyga, at ArrestedMN.com or call 612-339-5844.
We don’t run from storms—we face them head-on, like bison, guiding you through the hardest times until we reach brighter days.
This case demonstrates not just the importance of a strong defense, but the toll these cases take on the accused and their families. While justice was served, the emotional and psychological scars remain.